Editor’s Column Does Tutoring Actually Improve College Applications?

At a time in which where you go determines who you will be and the quality of colleges is determined by their shockingly low admissions rates, all, if not most, students strive to appeal themselves as best they can on college applications. Whether through extracurriculars such as sports and community service or through leadership positions, students aim to include numerous outside-the-classroom activities.

One common, widely-debated extracurricular is tutoring. It has come to attention that tutoring others as a high school student may catch the interests of admissions officers at prestigious institutes.

On the surface level, getting a job in general demonstrates impressive work ethic of a young individual. According to College Confidential, colleges seek well-rounded students and the ability to tutor someone shows a wide area of knowledge.

A misconception, however, is that any form of tutoring is beneficial.

“I’ve heard that it’s important to tutor in the subject you want to major,” said Christy Yoon, a junior at a school in Palos Verdes. “My college counselor recommended that I tutor someone in biology since that’s my area of interest. I need to demonstrate focus and mastery.”

Another misunderstanding is that only paid tutoring can be worth putting on applications. According to Ivy Coach, however, any volunteer service has the potential to be recognized as work. If a student tutors in his/her subject of passion, that act would be considered a job intended to hone skills. An important note, though, is that the applications have separate sections for extracurriculars and job experiences. It would be of beneficial to be able to complete all parts.

“I’m a student tutor for freshman at my school,” said Aidan Tyssee, a junior at a school in Palos Verdes. “This program, Commodores, only meets once a week and doesn’t pay, but it allows me to prove and further improve my skills in a subject, making it a more valuable experience.”

Overall, colleges have always encouraged students’ work experience, although it is neither a strict advantage or disadvantage. Receiving the benefits ultimately depends on the individual to be fervidly engaged and helpful in the community.

“You need to be unique and make a difference with whatever you choose,” said Harberson, previous admissions officer for the University of Pennsylvania.